CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Dr. Sonya King joins BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee as pharmacy director for government programs. Based out of Chattanooga, she will oversee all government-related pharmacy programs and clinical programs mandated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

“In the current health care environment we’re seeing an increased need for oversight and review regarding the pharmacy benefit. Those with expertise in regulatory compliance are in high demand,” said Elaine Manieri, vice president of pharmacy. “By creating this new position and bringing in someone with Dr. King’s level of expertise, I feel confident that we can offer the best benefit to our customers.”

King joins BlueCross from Windsor Health Plan, where she served since 2005, as the vice president of pharmacy and overall benefit design. In this role she launched an appeals and grievance program that received a five-star rating from CMS. Across the board, she improved CMS audit results by introducing quality and results-oriented programs. She’s also held leadership positions at Cariten Healthcare and Managed Care Pharmacy Solutions.

A graduate from the University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy with a Doctor of Pharmacy, King also holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Tennessee with an emphasis in animal science. She is board-certified in the State of Tennessee and a member of Pharmacist Association and the National Association Boards of Pharmacy, among others. She has also served on the Tennessee Board of Pharmacy.

About BlueCross

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee's mission is to provide its customers and communities with peace of mind through affordable solutions for health and healing, life and living. Founded in 1945, the Chattanooga-based company is focused on reinventing the health plan for its 3 million members in Tennessee and across the country. Through its integrated health management approach, BlueCross provides patient-centric products and services that drive health improvement and positively impact health care quality and value. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Inc. is an independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. For more information, visit the company's website at www.bcbst.com.